To grasp significant global trends and the opportunities and challenges they bring for Taiwan, the Foundation invites leading theorists, politicians, entrepreneurs, and social activists to give public lectures on these crucial issues.

In recent years, North Korea has actively developed nuclear weapons and launched missile tests, making the situation in Northeast Asia increasingly tense and prompting President Donald Trump of the United States and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un multiple times to avoid the threat of nuclear war in the region. On the other hand, at the time of the U.S.-China trade war, Japan and South Korea are also experiencing tensions over labor compensation and trade issues, shaking the strategic partnership between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. How should East Asian countries, including Taiwan, cope with U.S.-China competition and the increasingly complex geo-political situation?

Since the trade war between China and the United States began 2018, its impact has been worldwide and especially prominent on the global economy. If the trade war persists, then global supply chains may be reorganized, and social and political problems may follow. Even if China and the United States were to reach a compromise on trade issues, it does not necessarily mean that the long-term competitive relationship between China and the United States can be eased. What are the key issues behind the U.S.-China trade conflict? What counter-measures should Taiwan adopt in the crack?

The trade war between China and the United States that started in early 2018 has not changed due to the results of the U.S. midterm elections. In addition to trade disputes between the two sides, there are also regional security issues such as North Korea, the South China Sea, and Taiwan. Many observers are concerned whether conflict is inevitable between China and the United States. Will a new “Cold War” develop between the two countries?

Amid the trade war between the United States and China, populism is gradually eroding the international system led by the United States built on liberal and democratic values. A participant in the past, China is attempting to restructure the international economic and trade system as a major power.

Francis Fukuyama predicted in The End of History and the Last Man that representative democracy and the market economy would be the ultimate choice of humankind. However, global development in recent years seems to run counter to this thesis. Fukuyama has deeply reflected upon the evolution of history and now advocates that the ability of governance and a foundation of the rule of law are key to determining a country’s political rise and fall.